I caught up with forward Olivier Labelle before he left for the Islanders training camp this week.

Labelle played for the Crunch last year, and was offered a tryout deal to come to camp this season. New York gave him the same deal, and I asked him why he decided to accept the Islanders' offer instead of giving the Crunch another shot.

"I think things went pretty well last year. If they (Columbus) don't want to give me a contract after (last season), I don't think they see me in Syracuse,'' he said. "I'm thankful for everything they did for me.But for now I think I have a better opportunity going to the Islanders' camp.''

I asked Labelle if he was surprised that Columbus didn't show more interest in him after a solid rookie season.

"When I left, I didn't have the feeling I wouldn't go back. That's what makes it a shock,'' he said. "It think it's a situation with a new GM (Columbus' Scott Howson), who doesn't know me. I'm disappointed, but there's nothing I can do about it.''